Michael Ray Arrested for DUI and Drug Possession in Florida

Rising country artist Michael Ray was arrested early Wednesday morning (Dec. 20) on charges of driving under the influence and drug possession. The singer got into a minor car accident at a McDonald's drive-thru in Eustis, Fla., leading to the charges and his arrest.

Lake County Sheriff's Office

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Ray -- a Eustis native whose legal name is Michael Roach -- was arrested around 4AM after his 2012 orange Jeep crashed into the 2016 blue Scion in front of him in the McDonald's drive-thru line. The singer told police that his foot slipped off his car's brake pedal; however, police noticed that Ray "had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and he stumbled while walking and smelled of alcohol," according to the officer who made the arrest. Ray also told police that he had been at a bar in Tavares, a town a few miles south of Eustis.

Police asked Ray to perform several sobriety tests, which he failed; he was asked to perform a breathalyzer test once he arrived at the Eustis Police Department, according to WKMG, but he did not consent. When police searched Ray, they found a glass bottle containing a brown liquid, which the singer said was weed oil belonging to him.

Ray was arrested and held at Lake County Jail on a $6,000 bond. He has since been released and, later on Wednesday, released a statement about the incident.

"I want to apologize to my fans, family and my hometown community for placing myself in this situation. I am so very sorry for the disappointment these events have caused everyone," Ray says (quote via Taste of Country). "I know it will take time; however, I will do everything I can to rebuild your trust."

Ray is scheduled to perform a concert at Eustis' 1884 Restaurant and Bar on Friday night (Dec. 22).